Sabah builds reputation as medical hub for respiratory diseases

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has been recognised as one of the region’s hubs in treating respiratory diseases, with advanced medical technology and trained, world-class experts.

Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said there are many doctors here who have shown interest and dedication in training to become specialists in the field.

“The state recorded a high number of respiratory cases such as tuberculosis, asthma, lung cancer and other conditions.

“These cases are opportunities for medical personnel to learn and train themselves to become specialists in future,” he said at a press conference after launching the second Malaysian Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (Mabip) 2016 at Queen Elizabeth hospital here.

Dr Noor added that there are currently 43 respiratory specialists, including 16 who are still undergoing training, in the country.

The Health Ministry is targeting to have at least one specialist at every state hospital, as well as several at district hospitals.

At present, there is a respiratory specialist in Tawau district hospital to ease the workload, especially in eastern Sabah.

“The ministry will continue to provide support for health personnel in career development, which will eventually lead to the delivery of better healthcare for the people.

“Besides pursuing postgraduate studies, medical doctors should also look into publishing their papers based on cases as a way to be recognised.”